These are the first few images of London's ski-resort-style cable car, designed to alleviate pressure on London's road networks during the Olympics.

The project, which is estimated to have cost in the region of £60m, will offer its customers panoramic views of the capital during the ride.

The gondola will carry visitors from the 02 Arena on the south bank of the Thames... Credit: Lewis Whyld/PA Wire

...to the ExCel exhibition centre on the river's north eastern side. Credit: Lewis Whyld/PA Wire

Sponsored by airline Emirates, the project is now called... the Emirates Air Line.

Transport for London has created a video demonstration of how the gondola will operate: